Teach kids to Take Thoughts Captive

Hey Friends,

Practical Ways to Teach Thought Distancing

1. Use "Name the Thought" Language

Teach your child to identify what they’re thinking or feeling:

• “I’m noticing I feel scared.”

• “I’m having the thought that no one likes me.”

This creates distance and space to evaluate the thought.

Model this yourself during tough moments: “I’m feeling frustrated, but I know God is giving me peace.”

2. Ask, “What Does God Say?”

Once a thought is named, compare it to God's Word:

• “Does this thought line up with what Jesus says about me?”

• “Is this fear from God or from somewhere else?”

Example:

A child says, “I’ll never be good at anything.”

You respond, “Let’s look at what God says in Philippians 1:6—He’s still working in you!”

3. Practice Thought Journaling

Encourage kids (and teens especially) to write down:

• What they’re thinking

• How it makes them feel

• What God’s Word says in response

Over time, this helps rewire their responses and ground them in truth.

Here are three powerful scriptures to help guide your family’s thinking habits:

• Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

• Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

“My thoughts are not your thoughts… my ways are higher than your ways.”

• Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

“Whatever is true… think about these things.”

Here is fun family activity you could try: “Capture the Thought” Game

Each night, have everyone share one negative thought they had during the day. As a family, rewrite the thought with a biblical truth. Make it fun—use index cards and create a “Lies vs. Truth” wall!

We hope this gives you a new tool you can use for yourself and your family to filter out the lies from truth.

Remember, you’re not expected to shield your children from every difficult thought or emotion—but you can equip them to deal with those thoughts wisely, through the lens of truth. Jesus Himself felt deeply, yet remained grounded in His Father's will. He understands our struggles, and invites us—and our children—to come to Him honestly.

Let’s raise a generation of kids who are not ruled by their feelings, but anchored in Christ—bold, resilient, and full of grace.

Thank you for being a part of our community,

The Explicit Movement staff